A Financial Aid Counselor insures that all aspects of federal regulations that pertain to Title IV funding are followed by the school and the student. They guide the student through the application process for federal aid consideration, verify information that is provided and make he necessary changes/adjustments to aid accordingly. This position acts as a liaison between the student and the federal government and protects the integrity of the school/federal government relationship. This position also provides quality customer service by detailing the process to students and families as well providing guidance and information to them to assist them in the cost of paying for higher education.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Reviews, verifies and assesses applications and support documents in accordance with established guidelines to determine financial aid eligibility. Ability to maintain and monitor the Federal Work Study Program.
Aids in the review, processing, troubleshooting and everyday tasks related to running the student employment program.
Direct contact for students with questions regarding time-sheets and eligibility for FWS
Interacts with students and/or families to follow up on missing or deficient information; relays and discusses status of application. Provides information to students and families regarding the options for obtaining financial aid, the process for requesting aid, and the eligibility requirements for receiving and maintaining aid.
Performing duties that pertain to reconciliation of various reports. Notification to students regarding incomplete paperwork that delays disbursement of aid.
Responds to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the department.
Participate in internal and external outreach initiatives to and events to answer inquiries form potential students and families pertaining to financial aid.
Daily in person and telephone counseling to students, in person discussions with director, associate directors and other counselors. Bi-weekly meetings with departments
Initiating written communications to students, parents, potential students and potential parents regarding missing information/documentation, emails to student regarding financial aid unresolved issues.
Problems are varied and may be ambiguous, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation. Problems are solved using knowledge and skills and general precedents and practices.
Analyzing conflicting information that may affect eligibility for Title IV funding. Students and/or parents may not comprehend process and miscommunication information on FAFSA or to school. Experience with such occurrences helps recognize inconsistencies and to resolve them
Required Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree
1 - 3 years experience in the Financial Aid Department of higher education institution.
Ability to access and/or work with sensitive and/or confidential information
Ability to identify needs/concerns of others of others, determine potential solutions, resolve or redirect appropriately.
Ability to persuade, gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas or collaborate on significant projects.
Ability to resolve conflict, negotiate or collaborate on major projects.
Ability to handle sensitive issues and facilitate collaboration at the highest level.
Develop and maintain relationships with key contacts to enhance work flow and work quality.
Ability to follow defined and existing practices as guidelines to determine specific work methods and carries out work activities independently; Supervisor/manager is available to resolve problems.
Salary Grade:
AD140 - Administrative
Exempt/Nonexempt:
Non-exempt
Physical Demands:
General Office Environment
Seton Hall University is committed to programs of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the principles of affirmative action.
Seton Hall University is a major Catholic university. In a diverse and collaborative environment it focuses on academic and ethical development. Seton Hall students are prepared to be leaders in their professional and community lives in a global society and are challenged by outstanding faculty, an evolving technologically advanced setting and values-centered curricula.